The 2011 APA Stress In America report found that out of the eight top sources of stress in America, five were financial: money, work, the economy, job stability and housing costs.

The Associated Press and AOL examined debt stress, the pressure a person feels when she owes money, in a recent survey. Respondents with high debt stress suffered more:

1. Headaches and migraines (44% with high debt stress versus 4% with low)
2. Depression (23% versus 4%)
3. Heart attacks (6% versus 3%)
4. Muscle tension and lower back pain (51% versus 31%)
5. Ulcers and digestive problems (27% versus 8%)

Not many people have a firm grip on their personal financial situation and those who do rarely arrived at economic stability by chance. It takes a keen awareness of one's lifestyle, some planning, discipline and sometimes the help of an expert. 

Just because you may have lost control of your finances doesn't mean you can't get them back in check. However, it's going to take a little commitment, education and may be some additional resources. However, it can be done and you can do it.

TO REDUCE FINANCIAL STRESS

Wikipedia defines commitment as being dedicated to a cause. I describe commitment as making a goal, then sticking with it until the goal is met. The commitment road is not smooth or easy, but the job gets done. Set your goals, make a plan then stay the course.

There are many great books, websites and resources to help you to develop a starting plan. Here are some good places to start:

1.  Take Control of Debt Bootcamp 
2. Money Advice: Budgeting and Taking Control (UK) 
3. Dave Ramsey  

Step 3 Take action

 

The article 10 Personal Finance  Tools That Will Put You in Control of Your Money (Dailyfinance.com) reported "a survey by Aite suggests that personal finance tools actually change people's behavior, too. In a survey of people who use such tools, 3 in 4 said they now have better control of their finances. Two in 5 said they are saving more money, and 1 in 5 said they are paying less in late fees." To read the article click here<<< 

 

When you exercise, your body releases natural "feel good" chemicals. For mild depression, exercise is the best prescription. The Mayo Clinic recommends 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. For ideas on how to work in your workouts during your workday (that work!), take advice from these ten readers who manage to exercise without spending an hour at the gym.


Sleep is when your body heals itself. Seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and most say it interferes at least moderately with their lives. About one-third report persistent stress or excessive anxiety daily that they have had an anxiety or panic attack. Seven out of ten of those adults say they have trouble sleeping. (adaa.org) For some helpful sleep tips click here<<

The healthiest foods are easy to find because they grow from the ground and come from a plant. If your food mostly comes from a box, package or a fast food restaurant it's your least healthy option. Various foods do have a calming effect when you eat them. Here is an article with 13 calming foods click here<<

When you are stressed it's easy to go for those "comfort foods" however, there is nothing comfortable about weight gain, sickness or medical bills. The best advise is the one your granny gave you which was, "get plenty of rest, drink fluids and an apple a day will keep the doctor away."
Don't hesitate to call a credit counselor, a financial coach or a financial planner to help you sort through your situation with a professional, objective eye.

A healthy life is a happy life. Do invest in your health and wellness. Being healthy is like putting money in the bank. If you need help seek out a health coach or a medical professional to guide you.

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